Numbers 15:16
Numbers 15:16 in Multiple Translations
The same law and the same ordinance will apply both to you and to the foreigner residing with you.”
One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.
One law and one ordinance shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.
The law and the rule are to be the same for you and for those from other lands living with you.
The same rules and regulations apply to you and the foreigner living among you.’”
One Lawe and one maner shall serue both for you and for the stranger that soiourneth with you.
one law and one ordinance is to you and to the sojourner who is sojourning with you.'
One law and one ordinance shall be for you and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner with you.’”
One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
You Israelis and the foreigners who live among you must all obey the same instructions.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 15:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 15:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תּוֹרָ֥ה
אַחַ֛ת
וּ/מִשְׁפָּ֥ט
אֶחָ֖ד
יִהְיֶ֣ה
לָ/כֶ֑ם
וְ/לַ/גֵּ֖ר
הַ/גָּ֥ר
אִתְּ/כֶֽם
תּוֹרָ֥ה
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fs
אַחַ֛ת
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
וּ/מִשְׁפָּ֥ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Conj | N-ms
אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
יִהְיֶ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ/כֶ֑ם
Prep | Suff
וְ/לַ/גֵּ֖ר
gêr
H1616
sojourner
Conj | Prep | N-ms
הַ/גָּ֥ר
gûwr
H1481
to sojourn
Art | V-Qal
אִתְּ/כֶֽם
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 15:16
תּוֹרָ֥ה
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
אַחַ֛ת
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
וּ/מִשְׁפָּ֥ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Conj | N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
אֶחָ֖ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
יִהְיֶ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/כֶ֑ם
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/לַ/גֵּ֖ר
gêr
H1616
"sojourner"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
A sojourner is a foreigner or temporary resident, lacking inherited rights, but often given concessions in Israel. This term appears in the Bible to describe outsiders living among God's people.
Definition: 1) sojourner 1a) a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights 1b) of foreigners in Israel, though conceded rights
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: alien, sojourner, stranger. See also: Genesis 15:13; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 39:13.
הַ/גָּ֥ר
gûwr
H1481
"to sojourn"
Art | V-Qal
This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.
Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.
אִתְּ/כֶֽם
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
Study Notes — Numbers 15:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Laws about Offerings
14And for the generations to come, if a foreigner residing with you or someone else among you wants to prepare a food offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, he is to do exactly as you do.
15The assembly is to have the same statute both for you and for the foreign resident; it is a permanent statute for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD.
16The same law and the same ordinance will apply both to you and to the foreigner residing with you.”
17Then the LORD said to Moses, 18“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you enter the land to which I am bringing youNumbers 15:16 Summary
This verse means that God's laws are for everyone, no matter where they come from or who they are. It's like a big family, where everyone is treated the same and has to follow the same rules (as seen in Numbers 15:15). Just like in a family, we should love and respect each other, no matter what our differences are (as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-40). By following God's laws, we can show love and respect to everyone, and that's what God wants us to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the same law applies to both the Israelites and foreigners?
This verse emphasizes that God's laws are universal and apply to everyone, regardless of their background or nationality, as seen in Numbers 15:16 and reiterated in Leviticus 24:22, which states that the same law applies to both the native-born and the foreigner.
How does this verse relate to the concept of equality before God?
This verse highlights that God does not show favoritism or partiality, and that both Israelites and foreigners are to be treated equally under the law, as also stated in Deuteronomy 10:17 and Romans 2:11.
What is the significance of the phrase 'the same ordinance will apply'?
This phrase underscores the importance of uniformity and consistency in applying God's laws, ensuring that everyone is held to the same standards, as emphasized in Numbers 15:15 and Exodus 12:49.
How does this verse impact our understanding of God's character?
This verse reveals God's character as just, fair, and impartial, who desires that all people be treated with equality and respect, as seen in Acts 10:34-35 and Galatians 3:28.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to treat others with the same fairness and respect that God shows to all people?
- How can I apply the principle of equality before God in my daily interactions with people from different backgrounds?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate God's love and acceptance to those who may feel like outsiders or foreigners in my community?
- How does this verse challenge my own biases or prejudices, and what can I do to overcome them?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 15:16
One law, and one manner,.... One law respecting these sacrifices, and one manner of offering them; one and the same precept to be observed, and one and the same judgment or punishment inflicted in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 15:16
And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever be among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; as ye do, so he shall do. A stranger - one who had become a proselyte.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 15:16
1–16. Meal-offerings and Libations. These are to accompany both private and public sacrifices, and are arranged according to a fixed scale as follows (ephah = c. 1 bushel; hin = c. 1½ gallon): Meal.Oil.Wine.With every lamb1/10 ephah.¼ hin.¼ hin.With every ram2/10 ephah⅓ ? hin.⅓ ? hin.With every bullock3/10 ephah.½ hin.½ hin.It will be seen that the amount in each case varies according to the size of the animal. Ezekiel, in his ideal arrangements for worship in the restored Jerusalem, has a similar scale (Ezekiel 46:5-7; Ezekiel 46:11; Ezekiel 46:14), but the amounts are larger, they are not graduated so carefully with respect to the size of the animal, and the libation of wine is not included. The present scale appears to be a later modification of Ezekiel’s. But while the fixing of definite amounts was probably a late development, the practice of offering meal, oil and wine as an accompaniment of sacrifice was ancient. Men offered to their God the same food which they enjoyed at their own table; cf. Judges 9:9; Judges 9:13 (oil and wine), 1 Samuel 1:24; 1 Samuel 10:3 (meal and wine), Hosea 9:4 (wine), Micah 6:7 (oil). Leviticus 2 contains regulations for meal-offerings, without fixed amounts, but with the addition of salt and frankincense.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 15:16
ALTAR RITUAL, Numbers 15:1-29.The chief peculiarity of this supplement is, that it is not to be obligatory in the wilderness, but in the land of your habitations, that is, Canaan.